    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 29, 2004]
    [Pages 3012-3013]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Nomination of Carlos M. Gutierrez To Be Secretary of Commerce
    November 29, 2004

        The President. Thank you all. I am proud to announce my nomination
    of Carlos Gutierrez to be America's next Secretary of Commerce. Carlos
    Gutierrez is one of America's most respected business leaders. He is a
    great American success story.
        As CEO of the Kellogg Company, he has been an effective, visionary
    executive. He understands the world of business from the first rung on
    the ladder to the very top. He knows exactly what it takes to help
    American businesses grow and create jobs. I look forward to having his
    creativity and expertise in my Cabinet.
        Carlos' family came to America from Cuba when he was a boy. He
    learned English from a bellhop in a Miami hotel and later became an
    American citizen. When his family eventually settled in Mexico City,
    Carlos took his first job for Kellogg as a truck driver, delivering
    Frosted Flakes to local stores. Ten years after he started, he was
    running the Mexican business, and 15 years after that, he was running
    the entire company. At every stage of this remarkable story, Carlos
    motivated others with his energy and optimism and impressed others with
    his decency.
        In his career, Carlos has been sustained by the values taught by his
    parents, Pedro and Olga, and by the love of
    his wife, Edi, and his children,
    Carlos, Erika, and Karina. I know Olga
    Gutierrez, who lives in Florida, is proud to see the boy she took from
    Cuba chosen to help strengthen the world's greatest and finest economy.
        Carlos will carry on the work of a distinguished leader, Secretary
    Don Evans. During the past 4 years, our
    economy has overcome a recession, terrorist attack, corporate scandals,
    and the uncertainty that comes with war. In all these challenges, Don
    has been a strong and steady advocate for America's businesses and
    workers and entrepreneurs. Don has also been my friend for over three
    decades. I've counted on his wisdom and optimism and character at every
    step on my journey to the White House. Now Don's own journey leads him
    back to Texas, where we were young men

    [[Page 3013]]

    together. Don is one of the finest people I have ever known. I will miss
    having him in Washington, and Laura and I wish
    him and Susie well.
        When he's confirmed by the Senate, Carlos Gutierrez will take office
    at a time of historic opportunity for our changing economy. With Carlos'
    leadership, we'll help more Americans, especially minorities and women,
    to start and grow their own small business. We'll reduce the burden of
    junk lawsuits and regulations on our entrepreneurs. We'll reform our
    outdated Tax Code to eliminate needless paperwork and encourage savings,
    investment, and growth. We'll continue our commitment to free and fair
    trade. Carlos and I know that America's workers can compete with anybody
    in the world. And in all these policies, we will ensure that the
    American economy keeps creating jobs and remains dynamic and flexible
    far into the future.
        In Carlos Gutierrez, the Department of Commerce will have an
    experienced manager and an innovative leader. He will be a strong,
    principled voice for American business and an inspiration to millions of
    men and women who dream of a better life in our country. I ask the
    Senate to confirm this fine nominee as quickly as possible. I look
    forward to welcoming him into my Cabinet.
        Congratulations.

    [At this point, Secretary-designate Gutierrez made brief remarks.]

        The President. Great job. Thank you. Congratulations.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:10 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Susan Evans, wife of
    Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans. The transcript released by the
    Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary-
    designate Gutierrez. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks.